§ Mr. Rhodri MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what studies he has undertaken of the allocation levels to first wave general practitioner fundholders relative to those in subsequent waves and its impact on the practices over the whole period 1991 to 1997; and if he will make a statement. [2223]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesI have not commissioned any such studies. The allocation process is a matter of local determination between a health authority and the fundholders in its area. My responsibilities are to establish the policy framework and should local agreement not be achieved to arbitrate at the request of the parties. As no formal requests have been made there is no need to commission a study at this time.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Bro Taf health authority regarding(a) the allocation of funds to general practitioner fundholders, (b) monitoring of expenditure relative to the allocation and (c) sanctions in the case of overspending; and if he will make a statement. [2224]
§ Mr. DaviesI have not met the Chairman of Bro Taf health authority to discuss GP Fundholding. However, my officials have regular meetings with their Health authority counterparts about fundholding matters including the allocation process and risk management.
252W
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Bro Taf health authority concerning the impact of disputes between GP fundholders and health authorities over funding levels on patient waiting lists relative to patients charter targets for elective surgery. [2222]
§ Mr. DaviesThe Chairman of Bro Taf health authority has not drawn any such disputes to my attention. Therefore' neither I nor my officials have had any consultations with the authority on this subject. GP fundholders are subject to the same Patient's Charter constraints as health authorities and I expect health authorities to monitor their performance in this area.